State officials are trying to attract more young tourists to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
While the Sturgis Rally brings hundreds of thousands of tourists to the state, some in the tourism industry worry about the lack of youth coming to the rally.
So, the Department of Tourism is implementing campaigns to bring in younger generations.
One of those is the OGHD Rally. The campaign is a series of concerts and other entertainment events aiming to draw a younger crowd.
Jim Hagen is the state’s Secretary of Tourism. He says OGHD opens the door to everyone at Sturgis.
"The campaign is also one that is broad. So, whether you’re a biker or a non-biker; whether you ride a Harley or and Indian motorcycle; whether you’re male, female, red, yellow, black, white, it doesn’t matter. We’re really trying to diversify this audience and just showcase other aspects of the rally that are fun. You may not ride a motorcycle, but from concerts to doing your own scenic drives in a car, whatever. There’s just so much to experience,” Hagen said.
Another campaign aims to build on the success of "Rooster Rush", a state program that welcomes pheasant hunters.
It’s called the Rally Rush. Hagen says it’s a statewide contest encouraging communities to find ways to welcome bikers and promote the Rally.
“They come from every corner of the state, or they’re coming into the state from every corner. We have about 35 communities that are participating. We’re seeing other mini events pop up, as a result, to welcome those bikers. We’ll have an award for the first time at the tourism conference. The rumbling, we’re gonna call it the Rally Rush Rumbling Community of the Year,” Hagen said.
The program has posters, stickers, t-shirts and a list of the top-10 ways you can participate in the Rally Rush.
